Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Swain County’s unofficial election results for the 2022 Primary were available just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, an hour and a half after polls closed. Just over 9% of the county’s registered voters cast ballots.
Among the 921 ballots cast between one-stop, absentee and on primary election day, 60% were Republican and 40% were Democratic.
The primary determined those who will go on for county offices for Board of Education, both Democrat and Republican, and County Commission on the Republican ticket.
There will be two seats available on each board in the fall.
On the Democratic ballot for school board, voters favored incumbent Travis Hyatt with 242 votes (40.27%) followed by newcomer Jamie Fisher with 191 votes (31.78%) with both going on to the general election. Stacy Carson Pegg received 168 votes (27.95%).
On the Republican ballot for school board, R.L. Taylor was the highest vote getter with 320 votes (36.95%) followed closely by Lisa Stoltzfus Loftis with 310 votes (35.8%) with both moving on to the general election. Joshua Oliver was third with 131 votes (15.13%) and Robert Lowe was fourth with 105 (12.12%).
Republicans also chose two candidates who will go on to the general election. David Loftis was the highest vote getter with 266 votes (30.37%) followed by Phillip Carson 229 (26.14%), with both moving onto the general election. Isaac B. Herrin was third with 192 votes (21.92%) followed by Donna Cole with 189 (21.58%).
Loftis and Carson will appear on the ballot in November along with Democrat Deborah Smith to compete for two seats on the commission. Write-in candidate Cynthia Womble is also trying for a seat on the board.
Also in November, Swain County’s sheriff, clerk of court and register of deeds will be on the ballots. Incumbent Sheriff Curtis Cochran, Republican will run against Doug “Tank” Anthony, Democrat. Clerk of Superior Court Misti Waston Jones, D, and Register of Deeds Diana Williamson Kirkland, D, are running unopposed.
Chairman of Commissioners will also be determined in the fall, with incumbent Ben Bushyhead, D, facing competitor Kevin Seagle, R, who currently serves as a commissioner.
Mike Clampitt, Republican, of Swain County, incumbent has filed for NC House 119-Representative. He will face Al Platt, Democrat.
Senator Kevin Corbin, R-50, will face Democratic challenger Karen McCracken.
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
To review the full primary unofficial results, visit ncsbe.gov.
*Note: this article has been edited to reflect the corrected numbers. Originally, the numbers had double the votes for BC2 precinct, which didn't change the winners of the races but reflected a higher turnout and more votes.